The Non-Consumer Advocate

1) I grabbed these three outdoor chairs from a neighbor’s curb. Sure the seats will need replacing, but that’s well within my skill set. I think I’ll actually keep them afterwards as I’ve been wanting to have a small table and chairs for the backyard patio. Now to source a free small outdoor table!

2) I snagged a small bag of Nate’s Oatmeal Cookies from the Too Good to Go app for $5.99. (The retail value was $18.) I didn’t eat any as they were for my daughter, but they smelled really good.

3) I’ll be using this CVS ecoupon for a free 8″ X 10″ print, thanks to Clark Howard.

4) I offered up a hodge-podge of small jars through my Buy Nothing group after a recent cupboard reorganization. I’ve used them for plant propagation in the past, but have more than enough without them. I may end up putting them out in the recycling as only one jar has been claimed so far, but I’d rather they be used than recycled.

5) I enjoyed a frugal dinner of baked potatoes last night. I mixed some of my kale pesto with sour cream, which was A) delicious and B) perfection. I’ll definitely be making that again! No photo as I am A) Still sick with depleted batteries and B) kind of a mess right  now.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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1. I watched a YouTube video from Uniquely Tish about 10 Ways to Save Money on Groceries in 2025 as I’m always looking for fresh ideas. One of her tips was to “root around your freezer” and use what you already have. (My phrasing, not hers.) It’s hardly a “fresh idea” to cook with food you already own, but it got me down to the basement to browse through my freezer.

   

   You may remember that I scored a $1 bag of clearance price zucchini in March, which I shredded and froze in these silicone ice cube trays. I decided it was time to fix myself a couple of zucchini fritters, which couldn’t have been easier as all it took was squeezed out zucchini shreds, an egg, flour, parmesan, salt, pepper; plus onion and garlic powder. The last scrapings from a carton of sour cream completed the dish. Thanks, Tish!

   

2. I’m still sick, but gathered enough energy to tart up my recently thrifted midcentury bookshelf. It took some elbow grease, but I was able to remove the scuffs using Bar Keeper’s Friend and some wood stain wiped over the areas where the original stain had been chipped away. I’ll post a full reveal in a day or two, but suffice it say that it already looks 110% better. I’ll need to buy a new gold paint pen for the rusted brass feet, but my plan is to support a local art supply store for this purchase.

   

   Seriously, the feet are a rusty mess!

3. I watched the first two episodes of Étoile through my sister’s Prime Video account and although I loved the dancing, I’m not sure how much I actually like the show. The two main characters are written as angry and scream half their lines, which is a pet peeve of mine. I’ll give it another episode or so as the dancing is sublime, but I might drift away. Good thing I mooch my Amazon access.*

   

4. I’m picking up the above green planter this afternoon from someone in my Buy Nothing group. I needed another flowerpot for one of my free tomato seedlings and this one should accommodate its potential growth.

5. I’m enjoying a very high approval rating.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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*My sister uses our streaming services, so it’s reciprocal.

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1. Our toilet started running after flushing, requiring us to stick close to the bathroom after use to ensure that it stopped. I assumed that we needed to replace at least part of the innards, but my husband instead watched a short YouTube video, (like this one) and was able to adjust the “float cup” using nothing more than a screwdriver. However, I’m cringing for our next water bill, as the toilet did run throughout an entire night.

2. I’m sick with a cold right now, which means switching from my normal reusable handkerchiefs to rolls of toilet paper as I’m blowing my nose every few minutes. We do have Kleenex, but I save that kind of luxury for house guests. What am I, a Rockefeller?

3. I made myself a big green salad using the last of a pack of lettuce, the last tomato from my step-mother, chicken off my Costco rotisserie chicken and a generous sprinkling of Dollar Tree panko bread crumbs. Of course I topped it with my Tea Towel salad dressing!

   I cannot speak highly enough about Dollar Tree’s panko bread crumbs, which add the perfect crunch to salads. You just need to to add them at the very last second so they don’t get soggy.

   

4. I picked up a midcentury bookshelf at the Tillamook Goodwill for just $7.99. We have its exact twin at home, although I’ll probably sell this one as I have no need for it. It’s in a bit of rough condition, but it’s sturdy and I fear not the makeover. Fun fact — these shelves came with encyclopedias, which is why there are a lot of them around.

   Here’s an old blog post from 2013 where I showed how to bring the gold brass feet back to life. It’s been 12 years and they still look amazing!

5. I didn’t finance a Lear Jet.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

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1. It worked to lower my eBay prices, as I made two sales just this morning! A mug for $15 and a single marble for $36! (I accepted an “offer” down from the $40 asking price.) I thrifted a florist’s vase full of antique marbles in 2005 or so and researched the subject so deeply, that I’m still able to identify valuable marbles when I see them. I think I made around a thousand dollars from that solitary vase of marbles. This marble was a more recent purchase.

   I packaged both items in secondhand supplies and set them out on my porch before the mail carrier hit the house.

2. I asked for fake plants on my Buy Nothing group, as I’m wanting to fill my built-in window box that perches outside my second story bedroom window. You may remember that I curb picked four fake plants last week and I’m still giddy with how real they look when viewed from the sidewalk. Let’s see if I can fill the window box without spending any money.

   I was actually behind someone donating a handful of fake plants to Goodwill the other day and it took every last bit of my self-discipline to not ask for them.

3. My step-mother had an excess of apples and tomatoes and sent me home with a baggie of free fruit. I then enjoyed an entire tomato in my breakfast burrito and have plans for a tomato-tastic salad this evening.

4. I drove a family member to a doctor’s appointment yesterday and brought along a library copy of The Berry Pickers to pass the time. I’m only about four chapters in so far, but it’s already so good!

5. I didn’t dismantle a government agency.

Katy Wolk-Stanley

“Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.”

Click HERE to follow The Non-Consumer Advocate on Instagram.
Click HERE to join The Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook group.

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